52 party-lists proclaimed; 2 deferred over disqualification cases

MANILA, Philippines — Two winning party-list groups cannot yet celebrate their victories, following the suspension of their proclamation as a result of pending complaints.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC), proclaimed 52 party-list groups and their 59 representatives yesterday – excluding Duterte Youth, which ranked second, and Bagong Henerasyon (BH), which ranked 39th.

“Considering the serious allegations raised in the petitions, which involved grave violations of election laws, the NBOC resolves to suspend the proclamation of Duterte Youth party-list and Bagong Henerasyon party-list until the speedy and judicious resolution of the petitions filed before the clerk of the commission,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said, reading the NBOC resolution.

Duterte Youth is entitled to three seats while BH is entitled to one seat.

Garcia said the suspension ruling was based on the determination of the NBOC and the Comelec divisions handling the cases of the two party-list groups. He said the Comelec division appeared to find merit in the case, but the party-list groups are still given the chance to answer the complaints.

There are two cases pending against Duterte Youth, including one that was filed in 2019. Yesterday, a manifestation to suspend the proclamation of Duterte Youth was filed before the Comelec.

“Just because they weren’t included in the proclamation doesn’t mean that they lost. They are winners,” Garcia clarified.

Comelec intends to resolve the issue before all the newly elected officials assume posts on June 30, he added.

“We opted to resolve the cases against them first before proclaiming them. It would be unfair to proclaim them then later on disqualify them – that would be more painful to them,” Garcia said, emphasizing that the accreditation of the two party-list groups are not cancelled.

‘Unfair’

Following yesterday’s proclamation of elected party-list groups, BH, as well as OFW party-list, which did not win, slammed the Comelec for their exclusion from the winners’ circle.

“We speak for the 319,803. Let their voices be heard. Without warning and without any prior notice, the Comelec abruptly announced the suspension of our proclamation as a duly-elected party-list in the House,” BH, represented by Bernadette Herrera, said in a statement.

“No explanation. No copy of any complaint. No summons. No opportunity to respond. Let us be clear: BH has not received, seen or even been informed of this supposed case. How can we be held to account for an accusation that remains invisible – unnamed, unheard and unexplained?” the group asked.

For OFW party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino, their advocacy for Overseas Filipino Workers continues despite the absence of a Congressional seat.